Organized Makeup Drawer~

Yes, I am still here.  Took some time off to catch up on things around the house, read a few of the many books that I have been meaning to get to, hang out with my little ones on Wednesday mornings and squeezing in doctors appointments.

I usually keep most things fairly organized.  I just function better when everything is neat and tidy, and in its place.

However, recently my makeup drawer had become a disaster.

A jumbled up mess!

There were several things that just needed to be pitched, things that had either seen their day or that I no longer used.  But, the biggest problem was all the little pots of Mac eyeshadow I had acquired.  I was tired of searching through the jumbled pile to find the shade I was looking for.

So after thinking about it, and searching on Pinterest for some ideas, I came across the perfect solution...a very inexpensive ice cube tray.  I have used these in the past for things.  My youngest actually uses one in a shallow dresser drawer at school to store her earrings.  Each section is the perfect size for the Mac eye shadow pots.

No more searching!  And, my favorite color corrector and concealer fit too.

So much better!

Perfect solution.

Have you organized anything lately with a cheap quick fix???

Beauty-full Mondays

Okay, 4th and final installment... a random combo...

Relaxation and Teeth:

Relaxation...my sweet hubby purchased this set for me at Christmas time.  The lavender scent is very relaxing.  If you are like me, hormonal and lacking sleep, I highly recommend them!!

Tom's  Botanically Bright Whitening Toothpaste and Wicked Fresh Mouth Wash.  Again, I don't like a like putting a lot of random chemicals that I cannot pronounce in my body.  I love Tom's products.  And, apparently their line of dental care likes me too (sorry Dr. B, but this girl has been cavity/dental work free for several years now...thanks Tom's and Oral B)  I love their mouthwash in particular...clean tasting...not "I'm going to barf, tastes like something out of my parents liquor cabinet when I was 13 (not that I would know anything about that).

***Again, I have not been compensated in anyway by these companies.  I just love their products!

***Update-the Sleep products can be found at Bath and Body Works, they also carry a Stress line that my youngest who suffers from migraines loves!  Tom's products can be found at most natural health stores-however we purchase ours from Target and Whole Foods.

Beauty-full Mondays

3rd Addition,

Body Care...

A new addition to the line up...my sweet friend Megan of Honey We're Home, recommended this lotion.  And, I am so glad she did.  Like me, she has sensitive skin, and this lotion is non-irritating, but provides a ton of moisture!

Again, a favorite found at Trader Joes.  Super creamy, leaves skin moist and dewy (no irritation at all) and smells so yummy!  Bring on the tropics.

I have been a huge fan of Seventh Generations Home products, so was anxious to try their personal care line.  This body wash with its peppermint scent is a great pick me up in the morning.

Feet...okay...confession time...I HATE wearing shoes!  So, with that said...my feet ALWAYS are rough and have terrible calluses (my nail salon LOVES me ;-)  I love both of these products from OPI for in-between appointments at the salon.

 ***Again, I have in no way been compensated by the above companies...just love their products.

Beauty-full Mondays

2nd Addition...

Haircare~

For those of you with dry/color treated hair...this product by Earth Science is amazing.  One treatment and your hair is feeling silky smooth again. I found this at Whole Foods.

My latest find...I was a fan of Aveda ( the Avanti line to be exact), but was tired of paying a fortune for their products.  My youngest and I both struggle with breakage and loss of hair (she due to medication, me, the dreaded hormones).  She did a bit of research and stumbled upon Avalon Organics new Biotin B-Complex Shampoo and Conditioner.  We found it at Whole Foods and decided to give it a try.  We both LOVE the product.  At first we were a bit skeptical about the conditioner ( our hair required a bit more detangling), but now...no problem at all.  And, the less hair on the bathroom floor the better!

***I have in no way been compensated by the companies mentioned above, I just happen to use and love their products.

Beauty-full Mondays

Okay, so I realized I have a lot of beauty products that I truly LOVE...and I feel like I have been holding out on my readers by not sharing.  So, I decided to post some of my favorites on Mondays-hence Beauty-full Mondays was born.

Today will be all about my favorite skin care products for my face.  And yes, they are few...I have sensitive skin and do NOT like to use a ton of products.  In this category, I have found LESS is definitely MORE!

Who knew I would find my beloved facial cleanser and moisturizer at Trader Joes???!!! Get out!
As I mentioned, I have sensitive skin (I grew up an Ivory girl).  The cleanser does a great job of removing my makeup at night, and the moisturizer is super light, not greasy at all.

I love this Vitamin C serum by Avalon Organics.  Super light, and I do notice a visible difference using it. I found mine at Whole Foods, but I do believe Target carries it as well.  A little pricey, but a LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!

I had purchased a Clarisonic Mia for my oldest when they first came out, and was considering a Clarisonic for myself and my youngest when we stumbled upon this version by Olay.  Run, don't walk, and get yourself one!  I noticed a difference in the feel of my skin  the first time I used it.  It has two speed settings and is under $30!  It left my face feeling as smooth as a baby's bottom.  I use it 2-3 times a week along with the Pro X cleanser.

And, yes my friends...it is as simple as that!  I told you, I am not a fan of glopping on the products.  

If you decide to try any of these I would love to know what you think.

***I have not been compensated by any of the above companies...I just love their products!

Hair Cut~

During the summer months, I decided to cut my hair short again.  I have had it all lengths, but for my hair type-straight and baby fine, short has always worked best.  And, at 43, I am not a ponytail kinda gal.  So, since I just got it cut again this morning as well as colored (gotta love it when the gray is gone!) I thought I'd share a new pic.  Mind you...since no one else is home I had to take it myself, so go easy on me!  Our youngest just recently cut her hair short too...she'd always felt she had to keep it longer due to playing volleyball.  She loves her short!!

It is kinda hard to tell in this picture, but the back is shorter than the front...the sides are angle cut.  It's funny, I was born a blonde but during my 20s-30s my hair got darker (light brown), and now in my 40s I can't keep it dark to save my life!  It wants to be platinum with a bit of gray.  My mother's hair is the same.  My brother, 2 years my junior, is ALL gray!! 

And, just since I almost ALWAYS get asked, yes my eyes are that blue...thanks to Lasik surgery I no longer wear contacts.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!!

What I Am Loving~

With this 95+ degree heat and 100% humidity, can ya blame a Southern girl for being ready for fall? I am looking forward to the cooler temps in a few months.  In the meantime, I have found a few new fall must haves...

OPI's fall color collection.  I am loving all the dark rich colors!  And, it is always fun to see what names they've come up with.

Okay, for a 43 year old mom who A) doesn't want to appear she is trying to dress like her 17 and 21 year old daughters, B) doesn't want to dress like her 72 year old mother, and C) loves a great pair of jeans that fit in all the right places...Not Your Daughter's Jeans are a MUST!!!  Stylish, Super Comfy, and they FIT in all the RIGHT places.  I stumbled upon these last spring while looking for new capris (they have those too).  Prior to trying this brand, I think I had exhausted all others.

Longchamp's totes!  We purchased one for our youngest daughter to take on her trip to NYC, and she loved it!  So roomy, yet if you need to pack it, it folds easily and takes up little space in your luggage.  It has held up beautifully too.  Think mom and big sis are going to be purchasing one soon!

The new Tory Burch Murphey tennis shoe.  Just ordered my pair from Nordstroms.  Super cute and comfy.  Great for running errands.

So, are you looking forward to fall?  Any new must haves on your list?

Bringing a bit of the Pacific home~

A few months ago, I was in Sephora purchasing a few makeup items I had run out of.  I am a member of their Beauty Insiders Club, and had earned enough points for a  free gift.  I was hooked the minute the sales clerk told me the products were from an environmentally friendly company, and smelled like a holiday at the beach.  She wasn't kidding!!

Moisturizing body butter, leaves your skin silky smooth and smelling great!

This body wash smells heavenly, reminds me of days spent on the beach.

 I have now become a huge fan of this company's products (I've not been compensated in any way to say this, just love the products).  They are an environmentally friendly company and their products are made right here in the USA! They carry body washes, body butters/lotions, perfumes, soy candles in the most heavenly scents. 

You can check them out here.  You can find some great Mother's Day gift ideas there as well (for either yourself or your mother/mil).

Ooooh, Aaaah~

No, not going there!

I don't normally post about beauty products, but I just HAD to share these new babies! (well, new to me)  I have terribly dry skin on my hands in the winter.  And, my sweet hubby is always on the lookout for something to help make it better.  So, he gave me this for Christmas...

And, while I was LOVING this lotion all by itself, a little trip to my local Aveda store the other day made me love it all the more when combined with these babies...

The key is to dampen your hands with a little water, apply a bit of the Caribbean Scrub (be sure to stir it well first), and scrub!  Rinse, then apply a dollop of the Hand Relief lotion into the palm of your hand along with a drop (yes, a single drop) of the Calming Composition Oil, and rub in like you would your normal hand lotion. 

The difference in my skin was visible immediately!  Gone were my rough dry hands, and in their place were smooth, dewy ones!!

While the products are a bit pricey (for some), it doesn't take much so it will last Foreva!  The scrub and the oil can also be used to sooth elbows, knees, and heels too!

I use them every other day in combo, and they have made such a difference!!